Providence Friars vs Uconn Huskies Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

Tarris Reed Jr. Powers UConn Past Providence

Tarris Reed Jr. recorded his eighth double-double of the season, tallying 24 points, 18 rebounds, and six blocks to lead UConn to a 75-63 victory over host Providence on Saturday afternoon.

Reed Dominates as UConn Secures Key Win

Reed was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 15 points on 61.5% shooting as the Huskies (20-9, 12-6 Big East) built a 41-33 halftime lead. UConn extended its advantage to as many as 17 points in the second half, securing its second consecutive win for the first time since Feb. 1.

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Alex Karaban contributed 17 points, while Solo Ball and Liam McNeeley each added 14 points. Ball knocked down four 3-pointers, and Hassan Diarra facilitated the offense with 10 assists.

“Reed was a force on both ends of the floor today,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “His presence in the paint changed the game, and he continues to elevate our team when we need it most.”

Providence Struggles to Keep Pace

Jayden Pierre led Providence (12-17, 6-12 Big East) with 10 points, but the Friars were unable to keep up with UConn’s efficiency and interior dominance.

The first half featured seven lead changes and two ties, but UConn took control with a 5-0 run midway through. Reed’s jumper with 10:07 left in the half, followed by a Karaban reverse layup, gave the Huskies a lead they never relinquished.

Providence briefly cut the deficit to two points with 4:43 remaining in the first half, but UConn responded with a late surge. Diarra orchestrated two Reed dunks, Karaban drilled a three, and a buzzer-beating jumper gave the Huskies an eight-point halftime lead.

Second Half Belongs to Reed and UConn

Reed opened the second half with a three-point play off an offensive rebound, setting the tone for UConn’s continued dominance. Despite a brief 5-0 Providence response, the Huskies pulled away with a 7-1 run, highlighted by a Diarra three and a Reed scoop layup.

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“We knew Providence would fight back, but we stayed composed and executed our game plan,” Karaban said.

A key sequence midway through the second half saw Ball sink a clutch three-pointer and Karaban complete a putback for a three-point play, extending UConn’s lead to 13 with just over seven minutes remaining.

Reed sealed the win by setting a career-high in scoring, finishing off a Diarra lob pass with 4:59 left to cap off his monster performance.

What’s Next

With the win, UConn continues its push for a higher Big East Tournament seed, while Providence looks to regroup ahead of its final stretch of conference play.

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